Discussion Without Limits

The Positive Impact of Celebrities Using Their Public Platforms To Advocate For Political Injustices

So often I come across criticism on social media issued towards highly recognized public figures who fail to use their platform to advocate for the injustices of certain political issues. The choice to use one’s platform to generate awareness of political injustices is arguably personal, however I will admit that when celebrities use their fame to speak on behalf of those without a voice I commend them and value their choice to speak publicly about minorities.

I follow J.K. Rowling on Twitter, and she often uses Twitter as a means to express her personal opinions on political conflicts and choices. She is outspoken and blatant in her expressions, however I think her choosing to do so is a highly effective way to ensure her opinions reach a widespread audience.

The following information is derived from an article on TheNationalPost.com regarding Rowling’s recent Twitter expedition, however because I follow Rowling on Twitter I witnessed this conversation first-hand.

Rowling recently engaged in a rather heated discussion with Mike Pence via Twitter. Pence, who is vice-president of the United States, tweeted the following in December of 2015: “Calls to ban Muslims from entering the U.S. are offensive and unconstitutional.”

Rowling rectified his 2015 Tweet when she responded to his comment and made reference to a Bible passage from Matthew 16:26: “‘For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul?’”

This is not the first time Rowling has used her public recognition to advocate against political injustices. The following, taken from Twitter.com, depicts Rowling responding to a comment made about her opinion regarding Trump’s Muslim ban:

Well, the fumes from the DVDs might be toxic and I’ve still got your money, so by all means borrow my lighter.

It is rather apparent that Rowling has zero regard for persons disagreeing with her political opinions, and I commend her tremendously for being so bold in her discussion of discriminatory political decisions. Perhaps Rowling can be interpreted as a role model for other celebrities to follow suit and protest the injustice of Trump’s #MuslimBan, for example Meryl Streep’s Golden Globes speech.

If you don’t already, give Rowling a follow on Twitter to follow her political activism. You will not regret it.